PS 2524 
.P53 
1853 
Copy 1 




SONGS IN AFFLICTION 



A COLLECTION OP 



MISCELLANEOUS POEMS, 



WRITTEN PUEIXG 



S^S^llS 0f "§XGtXUtit)i llliuss. 



BY LIZZIE PATTERSON. 



^fcotttr Etiition, lEnlavgett, 



BALTIMOKE: 
PRINTED BY SHERWOOD & CO 

N. W. CORNER BALTIMORE AND GAT STREETS. 

1853. 



PREFACE. 



The authoress of this little volume of Poems 
has been induced to publish them, more in com- 
pliance with the request of a number of friends, 
than by any personal inclination on the subject. 
The most of them were written during seasons of 
protracted illness, and are expressive of her feel- 
ings concerning the providential dealings of the 
great Father above with his children, and of the 
comfort resulting from a contemplation of the 
blessedness reserved for all who sustain so happy 
a relation. 

A critical taste will probably find here much to 
condemn; but humbly trusting that the feeble 
pressure of her spirit upon the Christian heart 
may cause some sympathetic chord to vibrate 
with gratitude and praise to the Giver of all good, 
she submits these poems — the casual manifesta- 
tions of that spirit — to the kind consideration of 
her readers. 



VI 



PREFAC E. 



Adopting the beautiful sentiment of one whose 
aspirations have been followed by what she pre- 
sumes not to expect, — a full response in the pop- 
ular heart, — she asks not 

The brightness of a mortal wreath, 
Nor yet a place 'midst kmgly minstrels dead ; 
But that perchance some faint gale of thy breath, 
Some still small whisper in her song may lead 
One struggling spirit upward to thy throne, 
Or but one hope — one pi'ayer — for this alone 

She'll bless thee, gracious God. 



^C«^ 



CONTENTS. 



The Silver Cloud 9 

What is in heaven 10 

What is not in heaven 11 

Meditation 12 

The Great Physician.. . .' 14 

Forget me not 15 

The Storm on Galilee 16 

The Bible 18 

The Redeemed , 20 

Life— Eternity 22 

The Orphan 23 

Infidelity 24 

Jesiis is precious 27 

The Tract Distributors 28 

The Way to Heaven 29 

An Acrostic 30 

Heavenly Anticipations 31 

A Farewell 32 

Reminiscences 33 

The Traveler 35 

The Christian's Anchor 37 



Vlll 



CONTENTS. 



Christmas 39 

God is love 41 

The Saviour's Presence 42 

What I love 43 

Providence 45 

Light in Darkness 46 

Rest at Home 49 

The blighted Bud 50 

The Shipwreck 51 

On the Death of A. M. L 55 

Friendship , 56 

We miss thee -, 57 

Safe in Heaven 58 

The Widow's Son 60 

Beauty 63 

The Old Chimney '... 64 

Greenmount 70 

The Dead Restored 74 

Conclusion 79 



SONGS IN AFFLICTION 



THE SILVER CLOUD. 

On reading in the Methodist Protestant a prose article, entitled 
" The Cloud with the Silver Lining." 

Sweet childhood's hours, to others bright 
With so much mirthfuhiess and joy, 

To me, alas ! were robed in night — 
For then a cloud rose on my sky. 

And youthful days — so free, so glad — 

When hearts with hope and pleasure thrill, 

Me weary found — and faint, and sad — 
For then that cloud loomed heavier still. 

And thus from childhood to this day 

It on my sky hath ever hung. 
And spread a darkness o'er my way, 

By dreary shadows from it flung. 

Yet e'en in youth it wore some gleams — 
And yonder glorious sun, so bright. 

Ere yet I knew — with cheering beams 
Had edged it all around with light. 
2 



10 SONGSIN 

But now, with Faith's strong eagle eye, 
I pierce the shades life's scenes enshroud, 

And clearly through them all descry 
A silver lining to the cloud ! 

And when from earth and sin set free — 
No dimming haze to blind my view — 

Methinks my raptured soul shall see 

That cloud is silver through and through ! 

WHAT IS IN HEAVEN. 
There are bowers for ever gay in vernal beauty, 

And groves whose foliage never shall decay; 
There are meadows dressed in ever-during verdure, 
Through which bright streamlets wind their 
peaceful way. 

There are skies that always beam with softest azure, 
And gentle breezes ever sweet and clear; 

And day by golden sunbeam ever brightened. 
With endless happy sounds to greet the ear. 

There are homes for ever rich in dazzling grandeur. 
Where dwell the ransomed in eternal joy; 

Where countless tongues are ceaseless anthems 
swelling 
Their rapturous hallelujahs through the sky. 



AFFLICTION. 11 

Oh ! when, thou land of endless bliss and splendor, 
Shall I, a weary one, find rest in thee ? 

When shall these clouded eyes the King in beauty, 
And all thy full undying glory see ? 

Roll on, roll swiftly on, ye lingering moments. 
And bring the long wished, ever welcome day. 

When from earth's changing scenes my happy spirit 
Shall gladly wing her rapid flight away. 



WHAT IS NOT IN HEAVEN. 

No falling leaf, nor blighted bower; 
No withered branch, no fading flower; 
No thorns are there 'mid roses found; 
No pois'nous serpents lurking round; 
No dreary desert meets the sight ; 
No cheerless, long and weary night; 
No famine lean, with brow of care ; 
No cruel, devastating war; 
No breeze with pestilential breath 
Brings noonday plague or midnight death; 
No lowering sky, no lightning's flash, 
No thunder's sound, no earthquake's crash; 
No throbbing heart, no aching brow; 
No pallid cheek with hectic glow ; 



12 SONGSIN 

No languid pulse, nor racking pain, 
Nor burning thirst, nor fevered braia; 
No dull, deaf ear, nor eye-ball dim, 
Nor speechless tongue, nor palsied limb 5 
No hunger there, no half-clad form 
Exposed to winter's pelting storm ; 
No fireless hearth, no leaky shed, 
No ceaseless toil for daily bread ; 
No scalding tears o'erflow the eyes 
For fruitless hopes and fleeting joys ; 
No smothered sigh, no pent-up grie-f, 
No piteous cry for swift relief; 
No hasty word the soul to rend 
And sadly part the friend from friend ; 
No hearts that sweetly blend in love 
A separation there shall prove ; 
No sorrow, danger, toil nor care; 
No pain, no death, no sin is there. 

MEDITATION. 

*■' My meditation of Him is sweet." — Psalms. 

Oh, when with grateful heart I scan 
The wondrous power that fashioned man, 
Made me in every sense complete, 
My meditation then is sweet. 



AFFLICTION. 13 

And when I view the kindly care 

That brought me safely through each snare 

Which 'tangled my unwary feet, 

My meditation then is sweet. 

When press'd by sin and sorrow here. 
And filled with weariness and fear, 
He gives me consolation meet, 
And makes my meditation sweet. 

When sinking 'neath affliction's blast, 
He cheers me till the storm is past ; 
My soul does then his praise repeat. 
And finds her meditation sweet. 

And when I think upon that love 
Which brought Him from the world above, 
To bleed and die, a ransom meet. 
My meditation still is sweet. 

When ghastly death shall rise in view. 
His rod and staff shall guide me through. 
And when in heaven J stand complete. 
My hallelujahs shall be sweet. 



2* 



14 SONGS IN 



THE GREAT PHYSICIAN. 

"Who healeth all our diseases." — Psalms. 

I SAW a tottering little one, 

His parents' joy and pride, 
Their best beloved, their only son — 

He sickened — fell and died. 
Oh ! what to them can give relief, 

Or soothe the pains they feel } 
Ye stricken ones, there's not a grief 

Which "heaven cannot heal." 

I saw a maiden, young and fair, 

Her aged sire beside, 
Who with a daughter's tender care 

His every want supplied. 
She passed away — he, left below, 

Alone his grief to feel, — 
Oh, father, wipe thy tears of woe. 

For heaven thy wound can heal. 

I saw a widowed mother stand 

Beside the grave of one. 
Her last sad joy in this dark land, 

Her cherished, only son. 



AFFLICTION. 15 



Ah ! hers was grief which few below 

But such as she could feel; 
But, mother, there is not a woe 

On earth but "heaven can heal." 

] saw a wounded soul opprest 

Beneath a load of fears, 
And heaved with sighs his troubled breast. 

And flowed his bitter tears : — 
Oh ! is there balm to soothe the woe 

Which wounded spirits feel ? 
Yes — broken hearts, there's not below 

A grief but "heaven can heal." 



FORGET ME NOT. 

Of all the flowers that earth can boast, 

In every verdant spot. 
There's one sweet flower I love the most, 

'Tis named — "Forget me not." 

It speaks of those whose hearts are true, 

Whatever be my lot; 
Unchanging, firm, through weal or woe. 

They still — "Forget me not." 



16 SONGS IN 

When far away from friends I roam, 

And fear to be forgot, 
It whispers cheering words from home, 

The loved — "Forget me not." 

When I shall slumber in the tomb, 

In some secluded spot. 
Let these sweet flowers around me bloom. 

And breathe — "Forget me not !" 



THE STORM ON GALILEE. 

Dark the night, and thick and dreary ; 

Sullen gloom the earth enshrouds.; 
And the stars, with sickly glimmer, 

Long have sunk behind the clouds. 

Could the eyes but pierce the shadows 

Resting now on Galilee, 
They might see a lonely vessel 

Toiling on that stormy sea. 

Loud around her winds are howling. 
Fierce the raging billows roar; 

Fear sits throned in every spirit, 
As across her deck they pour. 



AFFLICTION. 17 

No ! there's one, now calmly sleeping, 
'Mid that sea's tempestuous throes ; 

Nor the wind's nor waves' wild fury- 
Can disturb his calm repose. 

These have not the power to rouse him ; 

But when faindy on his ear 
Falls the cry, " Save, Lord, we perish," 

Soon he wakes that cry to hear. 

And the Saviour, slowly rising, 

Turns on them a chiding eye ; 
"Where's your faith — oh! why so fearful, 

When ye knew your Lord was nigh ?" 

Then, with voice of sweetest cadence, 

Mixed with mildest majesty, 
"Cease," he said, "ye winds, your tumult; 

Peace, be still, thou raging sea." 

Those around, in deep amazement, 

On each other gaze and say, 
"Whence this man, whose gentle mandate 

Even winds and waves obey ?" 

As a babe on mother's bosom, 
Hush'd its fretting, sinks to rest, 



18 SONGSIN 

So the waves had sunk to slumber 
On that lake's unruffled breast. 

Saviour, thou hast calmed the billow ; 

Calm the tempest of my will, 
And when tossed on waves of sorrow. 

Speak to them; say, "Peace, be still." 



THE BIBLE. 
When mournfully thinking of joys I have cher- 
ished, 
As fair as the flowers of youth's cloudless May, 
Which, alas ! like those wind-scattered blossoms, 
have perished. 
On life's rapid current borne swiftly away; 
Yet soon to my sorrowful spirit is spoken 

These words, from yon volume so blessed and 
pure, 
"Press onward in hope, though thy heart may be 
broken. 
For joys that I offer are fadeless and sure." 

When wand'ring alone in this dark vale of sorrow, 
By poverty's toils overburdened, depressed. 

How cheerless to me is the thought of the morrow. 
Which givelh no promise of comfort or rest. 



AFFLICTION. 19 

But still from this book in kind accents is sounding, 
" Look up, weary one, to thy Father on high. 

And quickly thy heart shall in gladness be bounding, 
For He loves, and will cherish, and ever be 
nigh." 

When wearisome nights and long days of affliction 

Have swept every prospect of pleasure away, 
And my heart being filled with the deepest dejection, 

Sees naught in the future but fear and dismay ; 
Even then to my soul is a voice ever calling. 

Which biddeth me banish my doubting and grief. 
And dry all the tears tliat so freely are falling, 

For Jesus the Healer will give me relief. 

And when by the side of death's cold rolling 
river. 

My soul may in fear and despondency stand. 
Will any be near needed succor to give her. 

And bring her safe over to yon happy land ? 
As soft as the flowing of Siloa's fountain, 

The answering sound from that volume J hear, 
"Be trustful and fearless; from Zion's bright 
mountain 

Thy Saviour and Friend for thy help will ap- 



20 



SONGS IN 



But, ah ! when I think of yon clay-home so dreary, 

And of the companions that wait for me there, 
Though here on the earth I be lonely and weary, 

1 should shrink from that dwelling in gloomy 
despair, 
Did not these sweet words ever round me keep 
ringing, 

•■'The sleepers in Jesus with joy shall arise, 
To meet their Redeemer, and enter with singing 

The mansions of glory beyond the blue skies." 



THE REDEEMED. 

"And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God 
led thee in the wilderness. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee 
to hunger, and fed thee with manna, and brought thee forth water 
out of the rock of flint." — Deuteronomy. 

" And they stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed 
with white robes, and palms in their hand." — Eevelations. 

I SEE a bright host of redeemed ones in heaven, 
Rich crowns of pure gold on their foreheads they 

wear ; 
To them were the white robes of righteousness 

given, 
While the palm-wreaths of victory in triumph 

they bear. 



AFFLICTION. 21 



They range those green fields with the light step 

of gladness, 
And sing of the journey through which they have 

come ; 
Of all its great woes, tribulations and sadness, 
And how their Redeemer has brought them safe 

home. 

They sing of the time when deep anguish atid 

sorrow 
Like a sea lay before, while their foes were behind; 
How that sea was then parted — and when on the 

morrow, [find. 

They looked back to see them, no foes could they 

They sing of the hour when, in doubt and dejection. 
They murmured, refusing His word to obey, 
When He, in his love, sent the rod of correction. 
And led them in penitence back to his way. 

They sing of the dangers with which they had 

striven 
The wilderness through; of their hunger and thirst ; 
How He had sustained them with manna from 

heaven, 
And from the hard rock made the sweet waters 
burst. 
3 



22 



SONGS IN 



Then loud ring their notes in a full swelling chorus, 
A chorus the seraphim never can sing, 
" To Him who so loved that his life he gave for us, 
To Him be more glory than angels can bring." 



LIFE-ETERNITY, 

Our life is like a short-lived flower, 
Which blooms but to decay ; 

Or like the dews of early morn 
That quickly pass away. 

'Tis like the meteor's sudden flight 

Across the realms of air ; 
We gaze with wonder on the sight ; 

'ri'is gone — and naught is there. 

But far beyond this vale of tears, 

In realms of endless day. 
There is a land where flowers bloom, 

Bloom never to decay. 

There all is bright and ever fair; 

There all in concert move, 
And naught is seen in that blest land 

But harmony and love. 



AFFLICTION. 23 



THE ORPHAN. 

An orphan sinking 'neath dejection, 
Poor and scorned by the prond ; 

O how bitter the reflection, 
Should reflection be allowed. 

Left without a friend to cheer me, 
Or to guide me, when 1 stray, 

Through this earth so dark and dreary, 
Filled with dangers all the way. 

Cease, my soul, this strain of sadness. 
One there is who hears each sigh ! 

He who wept to give thee gladness, 
Died that thou may'st never die. 

Calmly on his arms relying, 

Kver in his footsteps tread ; 
He will guide through life; when dying 

Will support thy sinking head. 

Praise to him the King of heaven, 
For the comfort he bestows ; 

And the consolation given. 

Healing balm for all our woes. 



24 SONGSIN 

When this night of sin and sorrow, 
With its cheerless shades, is o'er, 

J sliall on that glorious morrow 
Wake to triumph and adore. 



INFIDELITY. 

■ The fool hath said in his heart there is no God." — Psalms. 

" No God ?" Go sweep the sun away, 
And shroud the moon's sweet silvery ray, 
Nor let one star with trembling light 
Be left to cheer the dreary night ; 
Yet know such night, compared to thine, 
Is brightest day when sunbeams shine. 

Behold yon man in shattered bark. 

Borne on a high and tossing wave. 
The heavens above and round all dark, 

Before, a yawning watery grave ; 
While the wild winds around him sweep 
And force it o'er that stormy deep. 
If there's no God, e'en on such sea. 
That man is safe compared to thee. 

"No God ?" — See yonder little cot, 
So queen-like in that verdant spot. 



AFFLICTION. 25 

Her royal subjects, trees and flowers, 
And smiling fields and shady bowers ; 
Come, skeptic, enter there and see 
That loving happy family. 
The father, now his day's work o'er, 
Is seated at his cottage door. 
While round, his children light and free, 
Are shouting in their gladsome glee. 
While she, the partner of his cares. 
The plenteous evening meal prepares ; 
Note thou those happy ones awhile, 
Her joyful looks, his pleasant smile. 
And when their hearts are thus o'erflowed 
With holy, sweet domestic bliss, 
Go tell him, then, there is no God, 
No brighter, better land than this, 
That when a few short years are o'er 
They all shall sleep to wake no more ; 
Nor yet the outward frame alone 
The better part, all it hath known, 
Enjoyed or loved, too, shall decay; 
The soul herself shall pass away. 
Oh, spoiler ! not the famine drear, 
Nor pestilence, nor bloody war, 
Nor quaking earth, nor tempest's power, 
Nor thunderbolt, nor lava shower, 
3=* 



26 S O N G S I N 

Not these, though awful is their might, 
E'er had such power glad scenes to blight. 
As these dread words, those hearts to sere. 
And naught to leave but desert there. 

"No God ?" — thou ever-rolling sea, 

So vast, so full of majesty. 

Is this the burden of their cry 

As thy huge waves dash swiftly by ? 

The sea, in murmurs hoarse and loud. 

Replies, " 'Tis not. There is a God." 

"No God?" — thou awful mount of flame. 

Around whose brow fierce lightnings dwell. 
Thy thunders, do they this proclaim. 

When deep and long they roll and swell ? 
The mountain, with an angry sound. 

Sends forth afresh her fiery flood, 
And bids those thunders echoing round 

Give answer, "No, there is a God." 

" No God ?" — thou little sparkling rill, 
That danceth on in merry glee ; 

Ye verdant plains, thou sunny hill, 
Is this the song ye sing to me ? 



AFFLICTION. 27 

Methinks a sadder tone I hear, 
As their responses greet my ear ! 
"Oh no! we sing there dwells above 
A God of wisdom, power, and love." 



JESUS IS PRECIOUS. 

When sad and overburdened by sorrow and pain, 
How cheering to know that the Lord can sustain; 
To feel the sweet peace that he only can give. 
For Jesus is precious to those who believe. 

When by wiles of the tempter and evils within, 
Our souls are discouraged and led into sin. 
Confessing our guilt, we his pardon receive. 
And find him still precious to those who believe. 

When Death's chilling hand takes the friend that 

we love. 
How sweet to remember the one that's above ; 
Who hears every sigh, shall each sorrow relieve. 
For Jesus is precious to those who believe. 

But, oh, when the Saviour shall call us away 
From earth's gloomy scenes to the mansions of day, 
With what thrilling rapture the call we'll receive, 
Since He is so precious to those who believe. 



28 SONGSIN 

THE TRACT DISTRIBUTORS * 

Still, ye messengers of mercy, 
Still in hope pursue your way, 

Let no trial here deter you, 

God himself shall be your stay. 

All the good may now be hidden 
By your gifts accomplished here ; 

Yet when earth and time have vanished. 
Clearly will that good appear. 

Should the proud with chilling coldness 

All your visits still receive. 
Yet to many an aching bosom 

They will joy and comfort give. 

"Peace" ye brought to me when " troubled," 
"Light" to guide my ^'doubting" mind, 

" Grace to succor" when " afflicted," 
And when erring, "warning" kind. 

May the God of heaven still bless you. 
Richly bless you with his love; 

And when all life's toils are over. 
May you rest with him above. 

* Tliey had left with me several tracts, entitled, " Peace to the 
ti-oubled conscience," " Light to the doubting," " Grace to succor 
the afflicted," &c., the perusal of which afforded me great comfort. 



AFFLICTION. 29 

THE WAY TO HEAVEN. 

"And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be the way 
of holiness ; the unclean shall not pass over it ; but it shall be for 
those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No 
lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it 
shall not be found there ; but the redeemed shall walk there."— Isa. 

The King of heaven designed a way 

To lead from earth to realms of day, 

And sent his servant to declare 

His counsel, and the way prepare. 

A glorious highway let it be 

For all who choose to enter — free ; 

The rich may not despise the poor, 

But seek his comfort to secure. 

And it shall be a way so clean, 

That naught impure shall there be seen ; 

For all its travelers shall possess 

The precious gift of righteousness. 

I will that it be made so plain, 

That even the wayfaring man, 

Though fool he be, need never err. 

But walk in full assurance there. 

A way where dangers are not known. 

No lion shall go up thereon ; 

No ravenous beast will lurk around, 

But the redeemed shall there be found. 



30 



SONGS IN 



And it shall be a way of joy, 

Whose pleasures are without alloy ; 

And where, with songs of gladness crown'd, 

The pilgrims' voices shall resound. 

And as they to its close draw near. 

The way shall brighter still appear ; 

Still leading to the land of love, 

My holy, happy home above. 



AN ACROSTIC. 

Suggested by the death of a young friend, who remarked to his 
mother immediately before his departure, " Your Guardian An- 
gel, mother, oh ! how I would love that." 

C ANST thou hear me, dearest mother, 

H ear the rustling of my wing, 
A s across thy path I hover, 

R eady joy and peace to bring ? 
L ow in prayer I see thee bending ; 

E arnest is thine every word ; 
S ure thou hear'st tlie whispered answer, 

M other, peace — thy cry is heard. 
C ease to mourn ; I oft am with thee ; 

C almiy wait till life is o'er ; 
O h ! we then shall meet in rapture — 

Y es ! we'll meet to part no more. 



AFFLICTION. 31 



HEAVENLY ANTICIPATIONS. 

And there shall be uo more sorrow, nor sighing, nor any more 
death." — Isaiah. 

When tossing on life's stormy sea, 

By Avave and tempest driven, 
Fearless, our course shall onward be; — 

There are no storms in heaven. 

And though by death's all-severing blow 

Our dearest ties are riven. 
We'll calmly sing, as on we go — 

Friends never j)ciri in heaven. 

Should grief and pain and anxious care, 

By God to us be given, 
This thought shall drive aM^ay each fear — 

These cannot enter heaven. 

And when the honr of death shall come, 

And M'e have nobly striven. 
We'll sweetly slumber in the tomb — 

There is no death in heaven. 



32 S O N G S I N 



A FAKEWELL. 

ADDRESSED TO KEV. J. J. M , MT PASTOR. 

Fare thee well ; may God support thee, 
Calm to rest thy rising fears ; 

Heavenly wisdom still direct thee 
Through this lonely vale of tears. 

Fare thee well in every trial 

Thou on earth art called to feel ; 

Be the precious balm of Gilead 
Still applied each wound to heal. 

Fare thee well when thou art passing 
Over Jordan's stormy wave ; 

Be the Saviour's presence with thee ; 
Fare thee well beyond the grave. 

Fare thee well when earth is burning, 

And the heavens flee away ; 
When the stars around are falling. 

Fare thee well in that dread day. 

Fare thee well throughout life's journey; 

Fare thee well when life is o'er; 
Fare thee well when time's no longer; 

Fare thee well for evermore. 



AFFLICTION. 33 



REMINISCENCES. 

CN REVISniNG TUE SCENES OF MY CIlILPnOOD, AlHTEE AN ABSENCE 
OF MANY YEARS. 

" I see around me here 
Things which you cannot see ; Ave die, my friend, 
Nor we alone, but that which each man loved 
And prized, in his pocuHar nook of earth, 
Dies with him or is changed." Woedsworth. 

And can it be that now 1 roam 
About my childhood's happy home .^ 
Tliese straggling shrubs before my view, 
Are they the shrubs that near it grew ? 
Do now I press the very sod 
My little feet so lightly trod, 
When on a hasty errand sent, 
Or on some childish pleasure bent ? 

I turn to see the cherished things 

That fancy full before me brings : 

A noble lilac bush was there. 

Whose breath with fragrance filled the air; 

I gathered blossoms from its stem. 

And decked the mantelpiece with them. 

Here stood a little modest rose ; 
I've watched its beauteous buds unclose, 
4 



34 SONGSIN 

And many a lovely Sabbath morn 
A flower from it my hands have borne, 
As o'er the fields, with cheerful air, 
I sought the holy house of prayer. 

See, there's another precious spot — 
The garden's gently sloping plot, 
Where violetvS, pinks and lilies bloomed. 
And every secret nook perfumed. 

The spring, so cool with sparkling sheen. 
In yonder shaded spot was seen, 
And oft in childhood at its brink 
I stooped with joy to dip and drink. 

O, can it be that this bright gleam 
On memory's picture is a dream ? 
For now I look in vain to see 
A single flower, a bush, or tree, 
Like those which long ago stood there, 
And seemed to childhood's eyes so fair. 

'J'he well beloved of that glad day. 
My early friends, where now are they ? 
Ah, some o'er weary earth still range, 
And mourn its griefs, decay and change ; 
While some in Jesus sweetly sleep, 
And never more shall wake to weep ; 



AFFLICTION. 35 

But oh how soothing to my pain, 
The thought that we shall meet again ; 
Shall meet in yon unchanging clime, 
Beyond the reach of earth and time, 
Where things we prize shall ne'er decay, 
Where those we love ne'er pass away. 

THE TRAVELER. 

"A man shall be an hiding place from the storm, a shadow from the 
heat, as rivers of waters in a dry place." — Isaiah. 

See a lonely traveler haste 
O'er yon desert's trackless waste ; 
Wearied with the toilsome way, 
Yet his footsteps do not stay. 

Far beyond those burning sands 
His beloved cottage stands ; 
Thitherward his steps all tend, 
There his journey's toils will end. 

"Wand'rer, in the distant sky 
Dost thou not a spot descry } 
Seek yon covert, ere that cloud 
Weave for thee a sandy shroud." 

Tempest signs are hung on high, 
Round the vivid liglitnings fly. 



36 



SONGS IN 



Scarce a single sound we hear. 
Save the thunder muttering near. 

Far from home and all alone, 
Still that traveler haste th on ; 
" Anxious one, dismiss tiiy fears, 
Lo ! a hiding place appears." 

Fainting 'neath the noontide heat^ 
On he plods with languid feet ; 
"There a rock, with shadow free, 
Offers rest to comfort thee." 



Parched with thirst, his eager eye 
Looks aroimd a spring to spy ; 
"List! what sound salutes thine ear.? 
See, a bubbling fount is here." 

Journeying through this dreary land,. 
Soon to join yon heavenly band, 
Weary in life's toilsome way. 
Still my steps I dare not slay. 

Satan's sand-clouds may be there, 
Borne along on deadly air; 
Yet in Christ f ever find 
Shelter from temptation's wind. 



AFFLICTION. 37 

Storms of justice may arise, 
Clouds of wrath may veil my skies, 
Yet from these will Jesus' grace 
Be to me a hiding place. 

When in sorrow's sultry hour 
Joys are withered as a flower. 
Constant peace in him I prove, 
Shadowed by his boundless love. 

Here, to quench my spirit's thirst, 
Springs of living water burst, 
Which are flowing free and pure. 
And shall evermore endure. 



THE CHRISTIAN'S ANCHOR. 

How oft when youthful skies are clear. 
And joy's sweet breezes round us play. 

We dream that as through life we steer 
The morrow shall be like to-day. 

We paint each scene with rainbow hues. 

And gaily sail on stormless seas, 
While Hope, through life's bright future, views 

The port she thinks to make with ease. 

4* 



38 SONGSIN 

But ah ! how soon dark clouds of woe 
Spread o'er those skies a deepening shade, 

And waves of sorrow overflow, 
And all the rainbow glories fade,. 

'Tis thus earth's hopes, however bright, 

Expire and vanish, one by one. 
E'en as the shore recedes from sight, 

When glides the free bark swiftly on. 

Yet the redeemed, with anchor firm, 
Time's swelling billows shall outride, 

And far beyond the raging storm 

Shall make the port on Canaan's side. 

Oh may this bright and blissful hope 
Fill my poor heart with joy and peace, 

Bid me 'mid all life's storms look up 

To yon blest land, where storms shall cease. 

And when with life's last gale I've striven, 
And all its raging waves have pass'd, 

Oh, may I, in the port of heaven, 
My anchor Hope securely cast. 



AFFLICTION. 39 



CHRISTMAS. 

There was in Bethlehem, long ago, 

A lowly infant bom. 
Whose every hour seemed marked for woe, 

For poverty and scorn. 

For there, beneath an humble shed. 

The Lord of earth and skies 
Deigned first below to lay his head. 

And opened first his eyes. 

And when he up to manhood grew, 

A man of griefs was he ; 
His followers a despised few, 

An humble company. 

Thus low he seemed, yet raised the dead, 
And cleansed the leper's stain. 

And with five little loaves of bread 
He fed five thousand men. 

He healed the sick, the deaf, the maimed; 

He caused the blind to see. 
And with a word the tempest tamed 

On raging Galilee. 



40 SONGSIN 

And still lie labored for their good 

III weariness and pain, 
While they in malice him pursued, 

And sought his death to gain. 

To Pilate's judgment hall they bring 

And there accused him. 
As one who sought to be a king 

And rule Jerusalem, 

And by their malice he was urged 

The Saviour to condemn ; 
But when his precious form they scourged, 

He mildly prayed for them. 

And, crucified on Calvary's brow, 

He yielded up his breath ; 
He, at whose feet the angels bow. 

There bowed his head in death. 

But, having left the gloomy grave. 

He ever lives above, 
Our guilty, sinful souls to save. 

And bless them with his love. 

Then let us love him more and more 
Who died that we might live ; 

And when this mortal life is o'er 
We'1-1 ceaseless praises give. 



AFFLICTION. 41 



GOD IS LOVE. 

Ask the glittering hosts on high, 
Who reign in endless bliss and joy, 
Who cast their crowns at Jesiis'"feet, 
And " holy, holy," still repeat. 
What is God, who dwells above > 
They shout in rapture, "God is love." 

Ask the saints, who safe and blest 
Now range the happy fields of rest. 
And free from sorrow, fear and sin. 
Are ever with the Lord shut in. 
What is God, whose bliss you prove ? 
Their songs re-echo, "God is love." 

Ask the mourning sinner here. 

When grace has vanquished every fear, 

And guilt's dark night has passed away. 

Succeeded by a joyful day, 

Why did mercy toward you move .? 

Lo! he answers, "God is love."|l 

Ask ye why the sinner lives. 

And why with him the Spirit strives. 



42 S O N G S . I N 

Who, heedless of the: voice of God,. 
Still rushes on the downward road ? 
Oh, is it not this truth to prove, 



This glorious truth, that "God is 



love ?" 



Ask Satan and his mighty host. 
Who dwell where hope and joy are lost. 
Whose own sad choice has placed themjthere, ; 
Down in the realms of dark despair, 
What is God, 'gainst whom ye strove ? 
And hell must answer, "God is love." ,' 

An^el hosts and saints in heaven, 
Mourning souls on earth forgiven, 
The haughty sinner here below, 
The wretched in the world of woe, 
All join to prove that God above 
Is boundless, free, eternal love. 



THE SAVIOUR'S PRESENCE. 

■ My presence sliall go with thee, and I -will give thee rest."— Exod. 

Cheering words! how full of comfort! 

How they calm my troubled breast! 
They amid each scene of trial 

Give my spirit constant rest. 



AFFLICTION. 43 

Great afflictions then may press me, 
Ang-Liish deep may fill my heart, 

And life's heavy griefs distress me ; 
Still will they sweet peace impart. 

Death's dark valley may alarm me, 
When its shadows round me fall, 

But its dangers cannot harm me — 
Christ will lead me safe through all. 

Yes, His smiles give joy in sorrow. 
Heal my pain, my griefs control, 

Bid me tread death's dreary valley 
With a firm, unfaltering soul. 

When I reach the promised Canaan, 
That rich land where all are blest, 

Free from toil and pain for ever, 
I shall in His presence resl. 



WHAT I LOVE. 
1 LOVE the beauteous summer flowers 

That breathe sweet fragrance all around 
I love the free and cooling showers 

Which gladden all their thirsty ground. 



44 



SONGS IN 



I love to view the orb of day, 

As quietly he sinks to rest, 
And with his latest lingering ray 

Lights np the distant glowing west. 

I love to see eve's gorgeous cloud. 
When penciled o'er wi;h golden hue, 

Ere night, with dark and gloomy shroud. 
Has hid those radiant tints from view. 

1 love to gaze on yon lone star, 

Which cheers the evening's deep'ning gloom ; 
it points to that bright land afar. 

Where shades and darkness never come. 



I love when summer's day is done. 
And all around is calm and still. 

To see night's queen from her dark throne 
Shed silvery light o'er plain and hill. 

I love the gladsome waterfall ; 

Its murmuring songs are sweet to me, 
And pleasant memories recall 

Of days that w^ere from sorrow free. 

I love these scenes of nature well ; 

They make my heart w^ith rapture thrill: 



AFFLICTION. 45 

But oh, far more than tongue can tell, 
I love my heavenly Father's will. 

I love far more my Saviour's voice. 
Which speaks my every sin forgiven, 

And bids my captive soul rejoice 
In peace and liberty and heaven. 



PROVIDENCE. 

"Lo, I am with you always,"— Mattueu. 

Who speaks this soul-inspiring word ? 
And may we rest on it assured ? 
'Tis He who said, "Let there be light," 
And lo ! it bursts upon the sight. 
'Tis He whose nod the floods obey, 
And sweep a guilty Avorld away; 
At whose dread voice a fiery rain 
Destroys the cities of the plain. 
'Tis He who plagued proud Pharaoh's land 
With many a desolating band ; 
Who clothed its skies in blackest cloud. 
And turned its waters all to blood ; 
'Tis He who quenched the raging flame, 
And made the hungry lions tame, 
5 



46 



SONGS IN 



For those who truly loved his cause, 
And trustingly obeyed his laws. 
As, then, it is the Almighty Lord 
Who utters this consoling word. 
Should not our hearts delight to prove 
His grace and condescending love ? 
Confidingly on him depend, 
For He is our unchanging friend. 



LIGHT IN DARKNESS. 

The writer of the following lines, after a long season of spiritual 
darkness, first felt her interest in the Saviour's blood during a ser- 
mon preached by the Eev. A. W , from Matt. 11 : 3 — 5, " Art thou 

he that should come," &c. 

Once my soul was sad and gloomy, 
Scarce one ray of heavenly light 

Shone upon my darkened spirit. 
In that almost cheerless night. 

Taught to feel myself a sinner 

By the Spirit of all grace, 
Weary with the heavy burden, 

Longing to behold his face. 

" Art thou He to come ?" I questioned. 
With a sad and anxious heart ; 



AFFLICTION. 47 

" Am I one of thy dear children ? 
Or have I in thee no part ?" 

Oft the tempter whispered, saying-, 
" There's no help in God for thee ; 

Others may enjoy his favor. 
Thine this portion shall not be. 

"Why then seekest thou in sorrow } 
Comfort thou shalt seek in vain ; 

Why pursue this hopeless pathway ? 
Turn to ways of sin again." 

But I cried with earnest pleading, 
"Lord, thou knowest all my grief; 

Thou alone canst light my darkness, 
Bring, O bring me sweet relief." 

Soon the One who, rich in mercy, 

Bends to hear the feeblest cry, 
By his servant, heaven-commissioned. 

Sent an answer from on high. 

" Go, deliver her this message : 
Say, the blind receive their sight, 

And the mind, by sin once darkened. 
Now beholds my glorious light. 



48 S O N G S I N 

" Tell her that tlie deaf are hearing, 
Those who never heard my voice 

Listen now to gracious teachings 

Which shall make their hearts rejoice. 

"Tell her that the lame are walking 
With glad footsteps in my ways ; 

That the tongue, long sealed in silence, 
Now sounds forth its rapturous praise ; 

" That the sin-polluted leper 

My all-cleansing power has reached; 

To the poor and broken-hearted 
Is this blessed gospel preached." 

When these joy-imparting tidings 

Fell upon my spirit's ear. 
My sad heart was filled with gladness, 

Gone was every doubt and fear. 

Then I sang with sw^eet assurance, 
" I was blind, but now I see ; 

Once was dumb, now sing thy praises \ 
Lame, but now I walk with thee. 

"Thou hast cleansed the loathsome leper. 
Washed my guilt's deep stains away ; 



AFFLICTION. 



49 



Thou hast healed my wounded spirit, 
Turned my darkness into day." 

Ever since, 'mid deep affliction, 
He has filled my soul with peace, 

And I still rejoice in prospect 

Of that land where pain shall cease. 

Heavenly Father, bless thy servant 
By whose lips this message came ; 

Fill him with all needed wisdom, 
Give him power to spread thy fame. 

Let him find with thee communion, 
May his heart burn with thy love ; 

Give him souls to seal his mission. 
Give him endless life above. 



REST AT HOME. 

'There remaincth therefore a rest to the people of God." — Heb. 

Traveler, faint, and sad, and weary, 
Far away from sheltering dome, 

Should thy path here all be dreary, 
" There is rest for thee at home." 

Fainting one, whose sky is starless. 
Clouded o'er with heavy gloom. 



50 SONGS IN 

Struggle onward — ever fearless, — 
" There is rest for thee at home," 

Mourner in this vale of sorrow. 
All whose friends are in the tomb, 

Calmly wait a joyful morrow, — 
"There is rest for thee at home." 

So, amid each trial-season 

Which to all the faithful come, 

Time may not reveal the reason, 

But will bring them " rest at home." 

" Rest" for every care-worn spirit ; 

" Rest" above night's starry dome j 
" Rest" God's children all inherit, 

Everlasting " rest at home," 



THE BLIGHTED BUD. 

SUGGESTED BT THE DEATH OF AN INTERESTING CHILD. 

I GAZED upon a lovely bud, 

Which promise gave of blossom fair; 
In nature's beauteous bower it stood, 

And with its fragrance filled the air. 



AFFLICTION. 51 

Again 1 looked — a storm had passed 
Which bore destruction on its wing, 

And, rudely broken by the blast, 
It lay a withered, faded thing. 

My heart grew sad that aught so fair 
So soon should fade and pass away ; 

So soon should feel death's wintry air. 
And 'neath his frosty touch decay. 

But see ! in yonder land of light, 

Where tempest clouds shall never lower : 

Where nothing can its beauty blight, 
It lives — an ever-blooming- flower. 



THE SHIPWRECK. 

See yon vessel onward gliding 
With her banners to the breeze ; 

All is calm — no ill betiding. 
And she sails along with ease. 

When she left her port in gladness, 
Some had parting tears to shed. 

Though bright hope dispelled the sadness 
Which around their hearts had spread. 



52 SONGSIN 

Now she sails along securely, 
Not a danger near her seems, 

Till the storm, in all its fury, 

Starts her sailor from his dreams. 

Hark ! that crash, her masts are falling. 
See ! her sails in pieces torn, 

Fear and dread each heart appalling 
As she o'er the waves is borne. 

All their efforts cannot save her. 
And they find a watery grave ; 

All save one have sunk for ever 
'Neath the dark and dreary wave. 

Widowed mother, cease thy grieving, 
Wipe away those falling tears ; 

See a man yon vessel leaving, 
Lo! thy long-lost son appears. 

Mother, in the depths of ocean 
All our gallant sailors sleep ; 

And the winds in wild commotion 
Saddest vigils o'er them keep. 

As they sank a wave rolled o'er me, 
And I gave up all for lost •, 

But the billow safely bore me 
To a savage, barren coast. 



AFFLICTION. 53 

When I woke on that dread morrow, 

Finding- every comrade gone, 
Truly bitter was my sorrow, 

Feverish, weak, and all alone. 

Then I raised my voice to heaven, 
Prayed to Him who rules on high ; 

And to me was comfort given. 
For I felt the Lord was nigh. 

Soon a savage chieftain's daughter 
Found me helpless on the shore ; 

Saved me by her prayer from slaughter, 
To her hut the pale face bore. 

Softest pity, ever swelling 

Gentle woman's loving breast, 
In that Indian maiden's dwelling 

Lulled my every care to rest. 

Her light hand, my temples laving. 
Made me think of thee and home ; 

And amid my fever's raving 

There my mind would often roam. 

When I rose, still help requiring, 

On her arm I leaned for aid ; 
Smiling she would say, inquiring, 

Pale face loves the Indian maid ? 



54 



SONGS IN 



Mother, could I help but love her ? 

She had turned aside death's blow, 
And ever round my cot did hover. 

Sweetly soothing all my woe. 

Her kind looks and pure caresses, 

And her g-entle eye of love. 
Stirred within my heart's recesses, 

Bade its deep affections move. 

When this dreary region leaving 
For the home and friends so dear. 

She, in love to me still cleaving, 

Thus made known her anxious fear : 

Wilt thou leave White-Fawn behind thee ? 

Sadly then she'd pine and die ; 
She would roam the world to find thee, 

To its farthest verge would fly. 

Mother, she has braved each danger, 
Left the scenes to her most dear ; 

Wilt thou not receive the stranger 
With a mother's love and care ? 

Maiden, this loved one had perished, 
When so far from home and me, 

Hadst thou not in kindness cherished, — 
Now I'll love and cherish thee. 



AFFLICTION. 55 



LINES ON THE DEATH OF A. M. L . 

Should we weep with tears of anguish 
O'er her early blighted bloom ? 

Would we have her longer languish 
Here in weariness and gloom ? 

Few of days and full of sorrow 

Is our heritage below ; 
Still we hope for joy to-morrow. 

Which, alas I brings heavy woe. 

Where are now the hopes we cherished 

In our youthful happy day ; 
They, like autumn leaves, have perished, 

By life's tempest swept away. 

But, for ever free from sadness, 
Wliere no disappointments come, 

And where naught is felt but gladness, 
Dwells she in her far off home. 

There her heart now thrills with rapture, 
There her voice in praise resounds. 

Praise to Him who throughout nature 
Shows his love, which has no bounds. 



56 SONGSIN 



FRIENDSHIP. 

" And Tvliat is filendship but a name ?" 

And is it so ? — can none be found 
Whose hearts with noblest impulse bound ? 
No one whose friendship, firm and pure, 
Shall even through life's woes endure ? 

Methinks those drink not at its spring 
Who thus of holy friendship sing; 
Their hearts ne'er tasted the sweet bliss 
That flows from fount so pure as this. 

We know that some may friends appear 
While all around is calm and clear, 
Yet stand aloof when on our skies 
The angry storms of sorrow rise. 

But still our hearts can ne'er believe 
That real friendship will deceive ; 
For they have proved its soothing power 
Through many a dark and trying hour. 

And v/hat is friendship ? askest thou; 
Wouldst thou its value fully know .'' 
It is a priceless gem and fair, 
That proudly decks the brow of care. 



AFFLICTION. 57 

It is a form of beauty bright, 
Sent down to earth from reahns of light, 
To soothe our pain, to calm our fears, 
And cheer us through this vale of tears. 



WE MISS THEE. 

SUGGESTED BY THE DEATH OF C. M'C . 

We miss thee in the early morn, 
When, starting from our sleep, 

We rise in haste to seek thy cot, 
Our daily watch to keep. 

We miss thee at the hour of eve. 
When, gathered round the door. 

We wait to hear thy coming step — 
Thy step we hear no more. 

We miss thee at our daily meals ; 

Thy vacant chair is near, 
And turning round to bid thee come, 

We find thou art not here. 

We miss Ihee 'mid our social hours 
Of harmless mirth and glee. 

And raise our eyes to meet thy smile- 
No more thy smile we see. 
6 



58 SONGSIN 

We miss thee, too, when from the eye 

The tears of sorrow flow ; 
For thou with sweetest sympatliy 

Didst soothe our hearts in woe. 

We miss thee when our rambling feet 
Have found their home again, 

And list to hear thy greeting voice — 
But still we list in vain. 

We miss thee, for on every side 

Remembrances we see, 
Which draw our aching hearts away ^ 

In yearnings after thee. 

We miss thee here, but in yon world 
Of changeless love and joy, 

With angel brothers there thou art, 
Our loved, our missing boy. 

SAEE IN HEAYEN. 

AX APOSTROPHE TO A PvECENTLT DECEASED FKIEXD, M. C. B- 

JoY to thee, our friend and sister, 
For thy weary race is run ; 

Thou hast gained the goal before us. 
And the crown of victory won. 



AFFLICTION. 



59 



Thou hast entered yon bright city, 
Seen its glories round thee gleam, 

Heard its soul-entrancing music. 

Quenched thy thirst at life's pure stream. 

Thou hast bowed, with awe and rapture, 
Near the rainbow-circled throne ; 

And the Saviour's smiling welcome 
Filled thy heart with bliss unknown. 

Rapt in speechless joy and wonder, 
Now, methinks, I see thee stand, 

Gazing with unclouded vision 
On the splendors of that land. 

Then with loosened tongue exclaiming, 
" Half has never yet been told 

Of the bliss and fadeless beauty 
Hearts here feel and eyes behold. 

" Can, oh can this be the portion 

Jesus hath for me prepared ? 
[s it, is it mine for ever ? 

My eternal rich reward." 

Yes, 'tis thine, thou happy spirit. 
Bought for thee by Jesus' love; 



60 SONGSIN 

And through never ending ages 
Thou this happiness shalt prove. 

Soon we hope to join thee, sister, 
Join thee in that sweetest song : 
"Everlasting praise to Jesus-, 

Praise and power to Him belong." 



THE WIDOW'S SON. 
The sun awakes, and from his opening eye 
Bright gleams of joy are sent; one glance from 

which 
Is shining through the gently waving boughs 
Of Lebanon's dark cedars ; while another 
Glitters like pearl upon the snowy crowns 
High Hermon ever wears ; the face of nature 
Lit up wuth love, returns his joyous gaze 
With answering smiles; and sweetest carols bursting 
From her bright lips, are starting all the echoes 
That slumber in the vales of Palestine. 
When day is ushered in by morn like this, 
Methinks that many wake whose hearts are thrilled 
By gladdening touch of joy; but many more 
Arise from troubled sleep to feel anew 
The feverish throbbing of the pulse of woe. 



AFFLICTION. 61 

Yea, this bright sun has not put on his robes 
Of noonday glory ere a crowd is winding 
With solemn steps and slow through IN ain's streets ; 
They follow to the grave the form of one 
Beloved, and who, a few short days before, 
Had walked among them, with the firmest step 
Of manhood's conscious strength — a widow's son; 
A widow's only son ! 

Poor sorrowing one ! 
When lying on his cold and clayey couch. 
The loved one of her youth, she fondly deemed 
That she had drained the bitterest drop her cup 
Of woe could yield. "Not so," a voice replied. 
The little one about whose lips is seen 
The smile his father wore, will win thy heart 
From grief by childish prattle, and will be. 
In after years, a pillow to support 
Thy weak and trembling age. And he was all 
The fondest mother e'er could wish ; his love 
And constant kindness made the plant of hope 
To bud anew in her sad heart, and bloom! 
But oh ! how short, uncertain, insecure. 
The most enduring of earth's joys ! To-day 
We walk with lightsome step of happiness, 
To-morrow bend beneath a weight of woe. 
6* 



62 SONGSIN 

As falls upon the ear, at noon, when scarce 

A cloud is seen, the sudden thunder crash, 

So fell this desolating storm of woe 

Upon that widow's heart, and swept from thence 

Its last green thing ; and naught was left behind 

But gloomy barrenness and desert waste. 

But see ! As drawing near the city's gate. 

They meet a coming crowd, from out whose midst, 

One of commanding form steps forth and bids 

The bearers pause. And when he saw the tears 

Of that poor broken-hearted one, he said 

To her in tones of softest sympathy, 

"Weep not;" but vain, yea, worse than vain to her 

Are words like these, if dropt from other lips 

Than His ; but flowing sweetly from that tongue, 

Methinks they fell upon her heart as fall 

The dews of eve upon the drooping flower, 

And soon, advancing to the bier, he says, 

"Young man, arise!" The dead youth instantly 

Arose ; and Jesus led him forth to her. 

And said, " Behold thy son !" Then turned about. 

And passing through the wonder-stricken throng. 

He sloAvly went his way. 



AFFLICTION. 



63 



BEAUTY. 
It hath been very sweetly sung. 
By one of tuneful heart and tongue, 
That earth is full of beauty bright 
To minds and hearts attuned aright. 
"Oh, yes!" my answering soul replies, 
"There's beauty in her bending skies; 
There's beauty in her placid seas, 
And in her gently waving trees ; 
There's beauty in her green-topped hills. 
And in. her little sparkling rills ; 
There's beauty in each flowery plain. 
And in each field of golden grain ; 
There's beauty in her ice-clad bowers. 
As well as in her spring's glad showers; 
There's beauty in her winter's snows. 
As well as in her summer's rose. 
But oh ! more beautiful, more dear 
To me, is friendship's silent tear ; 
More beautiful her half breathed sigh 
In soft and soothing sympathy ; 
More beautiful her tender tone. 
When pleading with the Holy One, 
A stricken friend to soothe and bless 
Amid deep anguish and distress. 



64 SONGSIN 



THE OLD CHIMNEY 

SUGGESTED BY SEEING AN OLD CHIMNEY STANDING ALON^ IN A 
LARGE FIELD. 

Thou sad-looking relic, oh why art thou here, 
Thus left in thy loneliness, silent and drear ? 
The dwelling of which thou wast part is all gone ; 
Not a vestige remains ; not a shingle nor stone. 
That old-fashioned mansion in fancy I view. 
As first it was seen, when its honors were new ; 
Its massy stone walls, which appeared to be proof 
Against time's rude assaults, and its wide-spreading 

roof; 
Its broad and low gable, with thee rising there. 
And rearing thy young head from thence in the air; 
Its shutterless windows, with sashes of oak. 
Through which the first beam of the morning light 

broke ; 
Its porch with firm pillars sunk deep in the ground, 
And the neat little palings that closed it around. 
Methinks that this mansion, so strong and so fair, 
Was built for the home of a young loving pair; 
In fancy I see, from thy top to the skies, 
The blue curling smoke in a column arise, 



AFFLICTION. 



65 



And the sparks mounting high, laughing loud in 

their mirth, 
As the huge hickory-fire blazed bright on thy hearth, 
And through the bare windows its warm cheery 

light 
In rich ruddy gleamings first greeted the sight. 
On this clear and cold evening a few friends are 

there. 
The house to arrange and the feast to prepare ; 
From their far and near dwellings with joy they 

have come. 
To welcome the new wedded-ones to their home ; 
Those labors now done, while awaiting their stay, 
Some pass in calm pleasures the moments away, 
While others are shouting and laughing in glee. 
As they lop the low boughs from a near cedar tree. 
And bear them within, where to gladden the scene 
They are decking each room with this dark ever- 
green ; 
While winter without has been busy as they, 
A ad robed every thing in a bridal array ; 
And first, as ashamed of his bare floor below, 
He spread over it a rich carpet of snow. 
And covered each tree with a mantle of white, 
Bespangled with pearl-drops and glittering with 
light; 



66 SONGSIN 

Then rolled his cloud curtains away from the view, 
And hung a bright ]amp in the ceiling of blue ; 
And as from within is heard the loud shout, 
His piper, the wind, is so merry without; 
Now whirling his white cap aloft in the air, 
With a hearty huzzah for the new married pair ; 
Now the sound of his music, so boisterous and 

shrill. 
Comes sweeping along from the b.-ow of the hill ; 
And hark! in the distance, borne on its full swell. 
Now faint, and now clearer, is heard a sleigh-bell '; 
And scarce have those waiting onesheaod the near 

sound. 
Ere a burst of rich laughter is ringing around; 
And soon is that bridal throng, gladsome and gay. 
All merrily bounding from out the light sleigh; 
Now I see them safe sheltered from winter's rude 

mirth, 
Unhooded and seated around thy warm hearth; 
Where free from all care, and with light bounding 

hearts. 
In innocent pleasure each moment departs. 

But days, months and years have passed swiftly 

away ; [they ? 

The bride and the bridegroom, oh where now are 



AFFLICTION, 



67 



All grey-haired and wrinkled, beside thy hearth- 
stone, 
They are seated in sorrowing silence alone. 
The same scene is round them as was on that night 
When they entered at first this sweet home with 

delight ; 
The same cm-ling smoke is ascending in air; 
The same little sparkles are glittering there ; 
Through the uncovered windows the same ruddy 

glow 
Pours forth a rich light on a carpet of snow ; 
The same shining mantle now covers the trees, 
While around them is singing the same merry 

breeze ; 
And the swift parting clouds show the same azure 

sky. 
And the same silvery lamp is suspended on high ; 
It all seems the same, only then it was glad. 
And now it is dreary, and lonesome, and sad. 
The friends who were round them that evening 

have fled ; 
Some wander o'er earth, and some sleep with the 

dead. 
And the cherished ones given to gladden their way, 
Who they hoped would bring comfort in life'.s 

wintry day. 



68 SONGS IN 

These too had departed, and with them the light 
That had made that old mansion so happy and 

bright. 
On the sea and in strange distant countries some 

roam, 
Now far, far away from their childhood's sweet 

home. 
And some had been borne in deep sorrow and gloom 
To dwell in the cold dreary house of the tomb. 
A month or two more, and from thy old hearth 
That bride has now passed and lies low in the 

earth ; 
While the stricken old man all alone is left there, 
Like a storm-blighted tree, with its branches all 

bare. 
When all its companions, the old forest oaks. 
Have long been laid low by the woodman's rude 

strokes ; 
But soon is that weary one too called away 
To dwell with his bride in their home of cold clay. 
Since these have all left it, the mansion is drear, 
And nothing but desolate silence is here. 
Save the pattering of hail and the wind's wailing 

sound. 
When the wild wintry tempests are sweeping 

around. 



AFFLICTION. 



69 



The walls, once so strong, are now tottering and 

grey ; 
The moss-covered roof sinking fast in decay ; 
Through the old broken windows no fire's warm 

light 
Is shining to gladden the cold stormy night ; 
The porch and its pillars have long been laid low, 
All broken to pieces by time's heavy blow; 
For the little white palings, so neat and so clean, 
We search all in vain, for not one can be seen ; 
But now the last sign of this dwelling is gone, 
And thou art left standing all silent and lone. 



Thou old and lone thing, thou art speaking of woe, 
Of the sorrov/ and changes that mark all below. 
But more. I can see in thy unshrinking form, 
Which boldly has breasted so many a storm. 
An emblem most fit of the undaunted heart 
That calmly can witness each bright hope depart; 
With unfaltering trust in a Power on high. 
The whole of life's tempests to harm him defy. 
Yea more — with thy head rear'd aloft in the air, 
Thou seem'st to be speaking of mansions more 

fair 
In yon far away region of undying day. 
Whose walls shall not crumble nor sink in decay ; 
7 



70 SONGSIN 

Whose light is not darkened by sorrow's thick 

gloom, 
Whose dear ones shall never be borne to the tomb ; 
Not one of whose dwellers is dreary and lone, 
For sorrow and sighing are there never known. 



GREEN MOUNT. 

THOUGHTS SrGCESTED BY A VIEW OF THIS TLACE FROM AX EMINENCE 
NEAR BY. 

The place where rests the mortal frame, 

When the freed soul has fled ; 
That still and sacred spot some name 

" The city of the dead." 
These words, to me, how drear their sound ! 

They bring such thoughts of gloom 
As breathe a chilling air around 

The dwelling of the tomb. 
A city from whose solemn homes 

Sounds no sweet music's lay ; 
From which no joyous laughter comes, 

No children heard at play ; 
In all whose sadly silent streets 

Not e'en a step is heard. 
And not one friend another meets, 

To change a greeting word. 



AFFLICTION 



71 



Except perchance some strangers there, 

Or mourning ones, should roam, 
Or sound of feet that slowly bear 

Another to his horns. 
O yes, this fancied scene is sad, 

And all unlike to thee. 
Thou pleasant spot, so bright and glad, 

From every shadow free ; 
Thou liest in this lowly vale. 

So quiet and so still. 
It seems as though the passing gale 

Thy leaves can never thrill ; 
All but thy trees are hid from sight, 

Save here and there between. 
O'er patches green, some spots of white, 

Like feeding sheep, are seen. 
Thou seem'st to me like one wide tent. 

Where at the welcome close 
Of day, in life's long marches spent, 

The weary may repose. 
The bosom of the earth, thy floor, 
With grassy carpet covered o'er ; 
Thy canopy, the clear blue sky ; 
Thy banners, the white clouds on high ; 
Thy watch-fires, those pure orbs of light 
That gild the dome of silent night ; 



72 S O N G S I N 

Thy sentinels, an angel band 

Sent from the spirit's own bright land. 

Here, on this couch, one good and great 

Lies in untroubled sleep ; 
Around him marble watchers wait. 

And silent vigils keep •, 
Both good and great, through life he blessed 
The helpless, lonely and distressed; 
By words of wisdom, pure and kind, 
Reproved the erring, led the blind ; 
And when the toils of day were done, 
And evening shades were creeping on. 
He closed his eyes without a fear, 
To rest in peaceful slumber here. 
While his glad spirit sought her home. 
Where night and death shall never come. 
And there, in that sequestered spot. 
We see a lonely, humble cot. 
Where resteth one of lowly birth, 
A sad and suifering child of earth. 
Once, long weary nights of anguish 
Made her for the morrow languish, 
And the morrow's bitter pain 
Wish that it were nig-ht a^ain ; 
But when her sun's declining ray 
Proclaimed the close of life's long day, 



AFFLICTION. 



73 



And dimly through the shades of night 
This resting-place appeared in sight, 
Methinks her heart with joy was leaping 
To think how sweet would be her sleeping 
In this spot, where no dread morrow 
Ever wakes to pain and sorrow. 
Here'^s a crib of snowy whiteness. 
Flowers half hiding its pure brightness. 
Where a little babe reposes. 
Covered o'er with grass and roses ; 
Though no mother watches by it. 
Yet it slumbers here in quiet. 
Above these sleepers, songsters trill 

Their lays of love and gladness, 
And all the place with music fill. 

And banish far all sadness. 
While round them beauteous flowers bloom. 
Which fill the air with sweet perfume, 
And seem by their bright looks to say, 
"Ye sleepers on a couch of clay. 
As we have waked from winter's gloom. 
And rose, arrayed in summer's bloom. 
So ye shall soon awake and rise. 
To dwell in lands beyond the skies, 
With forms most beautiful to see, 

And clothed with immortality." 

7* 



74 SONGSIN 

I know it is a fond conceit, 
But oh, to me the thought is sweet. 
That I in such blest spot may slumber, 
Till time his latest hours shall number. 
And then methinks that my awaking, 

'Mid a scene so calm as this, 
When the last bright morn is breaking, 

Will be full of rapturous bliss ! 
Type thou art of that sweet heaven 

Where earth's weary ones shall rest ; 
Type of peace by Jesus given. 

There where all are richly blest. 



THE DEAD RESTORED. 

The midnight hour is past, yet starry gems 
Of silvery hue bespangle heaven's high dome ; 
While over Bethany silence reigns alone. 
Unbroken, save by softly murmured sound 
From Kedron's flowing brook, or tuneful song 
Of nightingale, which, floating on the breeze. 
Now swells out clear and full, now gently dies. 
Life's busy muhitudes are wrapped in sleep, 
Save two, they sisters, and one cot their home, 
Which was till yestereve a gladsome spot. 
But now a sorrowing one ; for fierce disease 



AFFLICTION. 



75 



Has stricken one they love, their brotlier ; he 
Who was the oak around whose trunk their vine 
Of earthly happiness had closely twined 
For succor and support amid life's storms. 

The eve before, the hour for his return. 

Drew near and passed away, yet brought him not; 

While they now filled with fear, witli anxious look 

Upon each other gazed, and as afraid 

To speak their thoughts, they whispered thus, 

" Why comes 
He not ? He ne'er was wont so late to stay." 
Then, glad to catch at every gleam of hope, 
Themselves reply in answer thus, "Perchance 
Some friends have met him, and with joy restrained 
His homeward footsteps." 

Neath Judean hills 
The sun went down in splendor, and the last 
Bright tint of gold and crimson hue his beams 
Had cast upon the wandering evening cloud 
Was now departed — yet those sister^ list 
To hear their brother's step along the path 
That leads unto their home; and hark! the sound 
Of steps is heard, and all elate with hope, 
They hasten out to bid him v/elcome back. 



76 SONGS IN 

But ah ! Avhen he, instead of meeting them 
With smiles of joy, is borne within o'ercome 
By pain, the withering breath of anguish blights 
Each joy, e'en as the biting blast of spring 
The tender bud that dares too soon to leave 
The sheltering arms of earth ; and they have 

watched 
Beside the couch of pain, through all the lone 
And leaden-footed hours of sleepless night. 
Till now ; yet ne'er received from him one word, 
Or look of consciousness, for deepest sleep 
Had closed his mental as his visual orbs ; 
But see ! he wakes, and wondering, looks around. 
And when he rests his eye upon the known 
And loving ones beside him there, his mind 
At once the truth perceives, while he inquires 
With trembling voice, " Have ye for Jesus sent ?" 
They answer, " No ;" and one is soon dispatched, 
Bearing to him they loved those touching words, 
"Behold, he whom thou lovest. Lord, is sick." 
He speaks again, " My sisters dear, the time 
Is come when we must part, no more on earth 
To meet; but cease to weep, for I am not 
Afraid to tread the vale of death, though dark 
TJiat vale may be, for with his rod and staff 
My God and Shepherd will in safety guide 



AFFLICTION. 



77 



My faltering steps ;" and thus he fell asleep 

As gently as a zephyr dies away 

At summer's eve ! 

'Tis morn, yet still the first glad sunlight gleam 

Has not illumined Tabor's lofty brow, 

Or tinged with golden hue the morning cloud 

On yon blue sea, ere one in Galilee 

Arrives and asks for Jesus ; he, long time 

Before the early gentle dews are shed, 

Had wandered forth alone to hold with God, 

His Father, sweet communion; but there stood 

Before him one who knew the secret place 

So hallowed by devotion. 

Jesus rose — 
" What wouldst thou have of me ?" he meekly said. 
"Behold, he whom thou lovest, Lord, is sick." 

Some days elapsed since he, their brother, died, 
Ere one, a friend, now seeks the mourners' home 
And calls to Martha secretly, and says, 
" The Lord, without the town upon his way, 
Is journeying to thee." Hearing this, she rose 
And came to him, exclaiming, in the depth 
And fullness of her grief and confidence, 
"Hadst thou been here, my brother had not 
died." 



78 SONGS IN 

Jesus looked on with pitying eye and said, 
With gentle voice, " Thy brother shall arise 
Again; but where is Mary? go, call her." 
She hastened back and whispered in the ear 
Of Mary, "Jesus is come and calls for thee." 

She rose and came to him. 
And when she saw the Lord, she fell before 
His feet and bathed them with her tears, as once 
Before she did, and in the deepest grief 
Of heart, she echoed back her sister's words, 
"lladst thou been here, my brother had not died." 
When Jesus saw her weeping thus, and those 
Around her too, he inly groaned, while tears 
Of sympathizing human love o'erflowed 
His eyes ; but soon he asks, " Where have ye laid 
Our friend .^" They answer him, " Come, Lord, 

and see," 
As they drew near the cave where Lazarus lay, 
The Saviour lifted up his voice in prayer. 
And spoke aloud with that all-powerful voice 
Which in a coming day shall sound through death's 
Domains, and wake each heavy sleeper there, — ■ 
^^ Lazarus, come forth," and quick as lightning's 

flash 
The life blood rushes through the dead man's veins, 
And he steps forth alive. 



AFFLICTION. 79 



CONCLUSION. 

" There is an end to all things."— Proybkus. 

Spring, wilh budding leaves and flowers, 
With her softly falling showers, 
And wilh music haunted bowers, 
Endeth ; when in dress of green, 
Summer in her golden sheen. 
On the sunny hills is seen. 

But when autumn imbeholden. 
Decked in crimson robes and golden. 
Like those worn by monarch's olden, 
Waves his sceptre o'er the land. 
Summer, beautiful and bland. 
Quickly ends at his commanch 

Winter then with ice-bound streams, 
And frost-foliage that gleams 
In the sun's unwarming beams, 
Fiercely enters ; neath his sv/ay, 
Autumn dons his proud array. 
And in terror flies away. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



80 




SONGS IN AFFLICTION 



Time his onward flight is winging, 
And the end of all things bringing ; 
End of weeping, end of singing, 
And this little book is ending; 
Thoughts of joy and grief liere blending, 
Have perchcince some good been lending. 

Mourner, have these plain reflections, 
Soothed one moment thy dejections ? 
Upward raised thy deep affections ? 
Have they but the simple merit, 
Once to soothe a troubled spirit 
With that peace the blest inherit? 

1, for this, with flowing eyes. 
Praise the Lord of earth and skies, 
"Who hath blessed my sacrifice. 
Ci-i'istian sufferer, hope oft borrows 
From life's bitter woes and sorrows 
Joy to glad its coming morrows. 

Reader, time is swiftly flying, 
Round us many dead are lying, 
Thou with me wilt soon be dying; 
Let us live, God's word attending. 
All about our paths befriending. 
Then how sweet wfll be life's ending! 



